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This creamy avocado pesto sauce is simple to make and packed with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe
- This creamy pesto is quick and easy, ready in about 5 minutes.
- It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Make it ahead for meal prep or freeze for later.
- Use it as a pasta sauce, a dip for vegetables, or a spread on bread.
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Ingredient Notes
Basil: Fresh basil provides the bright, herbaceous flavor. For the best taste, use fresh leaves rather than dried.
Avocado: Ripe avocado gives the pesto its silky, creamy texture. Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Pine Nuts: Pine nuts add a classic, nutty note. You can find them in the produce or nuts & seeds section of most grocery stores.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor—use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced garlic for a brighter taste.
The recipe card below contains the full ingredient list and instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This avocado basil pesto comes together in seconds. Place all ingredients in a food processor or a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
If needed, add a splash of extra olive oil or a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. If serving with pasta, reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce as you toss it with the noodles.
Serve over pasta, spread on bread or toast, or use as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
Substitutions and Variations
Add cheesy flavor: Stir in 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a plant-based cheesy note.
Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to give the pesto a kick.
Thin the pesto: Add a little more olive oil or 1 tablespoon of water at a time. For pasta, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce while tossing.
How to Serve Pesto
This avocado pesto is versatile. Some favorite serving ideas:
- Serve over thick pasta or spaghetti.
- Spread on warm bread, toast, or a bagel.
- Use as a dip for fresh vegetables or crackers.
- Toss with roasted potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Use as a sauce base for pizza or as a marinade.
- Mix into salad dressing for extra flavor.
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try other plant-based recipes next.
Blueberry Peanut Butter Smoothie-
Mason Jar Caesar Salads
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Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
-
Sheet Pan Gnocchi
Creamy Pesto Sauce
Kelsey Riley
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 1 avocado
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve over 1/2 pound cooked pasta, spread on bread, or use as a dip for crackers and fresh vegetables.
Notes
This pesto stores in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The surface may brown slightly from the avocado; stir or scrape off the top before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 487 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11.2 g | Protein: 3.7 g | Fat: 50.8 g | Saturated Fat: 8.1 g
Sodium: 298 mg | Fiber: 7.4 g | Sugar: 0.9 g | Calcium: 41 mg | Iron: 2 mg
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